AMC Renews Breaking Bad for Fourth Season

AMC announced today the renewal of its Emmy Award-winning drama series “Breaking Bad” for a fourth season. From writer/producer/director Vince Gilligan (“The X-Files”), the series follows the story of a desperate man who turns to a life of crime to secure his family’s financial security. “Breaking Bad’s” first two seasons awarded Bryan Cranston the Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, which marked the only time an actor from basic cable has ever been recognized with back-to-back Emmy Awards.

“AMC’s ‘Breaking Bad’ is one of the most layered and intense dramas on television today,” said Joel Stillerman, Senior Vice President of original programming, production and digital content. “The critical acclaim and strong audience growth we’ve seen in season three reinforce that this is the kind of exceptional original storytelling AMC has become known for providing to audiences. Vince Gilligan and his team deliver bold storylines that truly push the psychic envelope and create a mesmerizing, exhilarating television experience. We look forward to an incredible fourth season.”

“Through its captivating storytelling, inspired performances and breathtaking visuals, ‘Breaking Bad’ delivers on all levels and it’s a show we’re very proud to have in our portfolio,” said Zack Van Amburg, President, programming for Sony Pictures Television.

“Breaking Bad” follows protagonist Walter White, a milquetoast high school chemistry teacher who lives in New Mexico with his wife and teenage son who has cerebral palsy. White is diagnosed with Stage III cancer and given a prognosis of two years left to live. With a new sense of fearlessness based on his medical prognosis, and a desire to gain financial security for his family, White chooses to enter a dangerous world of drugs and crime and ascends to power in this world. The series explores how a fatal diagnosis such as White’s releases a typical man from the daily concerns and constraints of normal society and follows his transformation from mild-mannered family man to a kingpin of the drug trade.